The Straight Scoop About Scottsdale

I want to share with you the things that I learned over the last 22 years about just what goes on behind the scenes in the Hospitality Industry in Scottsdale. This would include everything from hotels, resorts and golf courses to destination management companies, golf packagers, transportation providers and anyone catering to the visitor to Scottsdale. Most of this information is provided to assist you when you decide to travel and some of it is just meant to entertain. I hope you do consider Scottsdale for a golf trip and if you do I know this site will be helpful. I accept no fees, commissions, meals or free golf for my reviews nor do I direct consumers to any one particular packager. If they appear on this site they will do a great job. I have been associated with the Hospitality Industry in Scottsdale and Golf Travel in general since 1986. During the period since I have led golf groups all over the world and brought thousands of golfers into Scottsdale.

This website is about providing the reader with the "straight scoop" from an insider's perspective. You can read more about me in the "About" section of this website but I consider myself to be one of the lucky few that can call the business of golf "work". And believe it or not it is hard work if the job is done right. With the Internet providing more information on Scottsdale Golf & Lodging every day and all the choices people have it's no wonder that confusion can result. I hope a lot of people will end up here asking for the straight scoop because I plan to give it to them - without all the hoopla you will find on a hotel's website. You will read things here that you have never heard or seen from any other Golf Package Company or website, not only about golf but insider information about other aspects of traveling to Scottsdale - things that will help you become a savvy consumer and get you the best deals on Accommodations, Car Rentals, Tee Times and anything else you might need. I want you coming back to Scottsdale and that means making sure that you are provided with the service that exceeds your expectations. I can tell you these things because I am no longer accountable to one golf course, hotel or resort. It has always been my dream to tell people some of the inside secrets to booking a golf vacation in Scottsdale but was limited to the amount of time I could spend on the phone with one customer, the bottom line is: secure the sale with the least chit-chat, and get on to the next call.

Individual golf courses and hotels don't want you speaking their language. It confuses them and causes them to stutter. They want to feel superior to you when you ask "dumb" questions about Scottsdale. They can then demonstrate their superior knowledge designed to intimidate you into thinking their hotel is the only place you would stay if only you had half a brain. I know this sounds mean and most hotels are careful about staff not copping an attitude but it does happen.  If you are forewarned and armed with insider knowledge you can negotiate from a position of strength. Now, they have to be real careful how they proceed with you.

I now operate independently and feel a responsibility to direct those coming to Scottsdale to the best suppliers. I am comfortably retired with a military (USMC) pension and a few bucks my Mom saw fit to leave me. I have no dirt to shovel on anyone or axes to grind, all I want to do is tell it like it is and let the chips fall so to speak. I spent my whole career in Scottsdale Hospitality without burning one single bridge and I want to keep it that way. Some may be offended by the truth and I can't help that. My role is to protect the golf consumer from shabby treatment.

The Golf Tour Operators where I send my readers for advice and proposals for a Scottsdale golf package are companies I have worked for in the past, the staff is personally known to me and they have an impeccable reputation. They have been around a long time, are respected industry- wide and most of all the courses and hotels know that without their business - well, let's just say it would have a negative impact on their bottom line. We all know here (and everywhere else) that Golf Courses and Hotels are staffed with as little help as they can get by with to keep their costs down. That means they will either address your questions about golf, depending on how busy they are, or they will try to fit you, (the square peg), into their limited idea of a package, (the round hole). That is all they can do because they are selling only the one hotel, resort, condo, course, etc. That's where a good golf packager can make a big difference. It's all about choices.